Helicopter firm says ‘thoughts’ with those involved in Doncaster crash

An aviation school has said its “thoughts and condolences” are with all those involved in a helicopter crash which left one man dead and three people injured.

Emergency services were called to a field off Ings Lane, Bentley, near Doncaster, at about 10:15 GMT on Thursday.

A 70-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and the pilot, 41, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a boy, 10, suffered minor injuries.

The aircraft is understood to have been owned by Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston Airport, in Nottinghamshire. The firm said it would “continue to support” the agencies involved in the investigation into the crash.

The firm, which according to its website offers flying lessons and experiences, said in a post on Facebook: “At this very sad time all our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved in the helicopter incident which happened yesterday.”

The statement continued: “Our heartfelt condolences are sent to everyone affected by this tragedy and we will of course continue to support relevent agencies involved in the continuing investigation.”

South Yorkshire Police and the government’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for the AAIB said a team of experts in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data had been deployed to the site on Thursday to being work.

The police have also asked anyone who saw the crash or had information about the incident to contact officers and said they were keen to hear from anyone who had footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash.

The aircraft had taken off from Retford Gamston Airport shortly before it crashed. None of the victims has yet to be identified publicly.